Asus P6T Review

Introduction:

The Intel Core I7/X58 platform has been out for just over four months now and there have been a fair number of reviews written on the platform, the architecture and the performance that the platform delivers. Many of the reviews that were seen right off the bat were for the high performance, fully featured models that commanded a large price premium to get in the door so you could start enjoying the Core I7 and X58 platform. The P6T Deluxe OC Edition is the top model in the P6 series from Asus. Performance testing shows that the Core I7 did not realize huge gains in gaming performance but where it does shine is when it comes time to do real work. Crunching numbers and applications where multiple cores and threads could be utilized really showed the performance gains. So what makes this motherboard different from the Deluxe model, you ask? One thing would be the smaller cooling solution for the X58 chipset, the reduction in the number of power phases from 16+2 to an 8+2 design, and the lack of the OC Palm tool. Without looking at the board, there are not a lot differences in the specifications and features between the two boards.

So where does the Asus P6T fall on the performance and feature ladder? Will the reduction in power circuits and much smaller cooling solution impact how well this board overclocks? Theoretically it should but theories are just that, a best guess. Even with the differences, the P6T Deluxe OC and P6T share many similarities. There is the support for up to 24GB of DDR3 memory in a tri channel configuration with support for XMP profiles, support for CrossfireX as well as the plethora of software monitoring and overclocking tools included with the P6T. Will this board prove to be a viable option for those looking to spend a bit less money on I7 performance?

Closer Look:

The packaging of the P6T caries a little more flash than the P6T Deluxe OC edition did with the bright metallic blue coloring. The front panel highlights some of the many features this board brings to the table, including three way SLI support, Quad CrossfireX support, Drive Expert technology, 8+2 phase power design and more. The rear panel lists even more of the features and technologies and highlights the TurboV overclocking application and the Drive Expert technology. The front panel lifts up to deliver even more features. By listing all of this front and center, the buyer can make a more informed decision if shopping at a brick and mortar location.

Pulling open the package you can get a glimpse of the bundle of accessories with the motherboard hidden underneath the cardboard divider.

With the P6T Deluxe OC Edition performing as well as it did, I can't wait to see how the little brother compares. Will it outshine the P6T Deluxe or perform as its price point suggests? Both questions to be answered.